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  June 1, 2010 6:48 p.m. Mazdax605 Reader

  Hey guys,

  In my search to replace my full sized Dodge van I have been seeing a bunch of Nissan Xterra's popping up on CL. They seem to be pretty common in a 5-speed V-6 with a trailer hitch. Most around here are 4wd autos but I have seen the 2wd manuals pop up as well. Are these cars good? Could they be capable of hauling a 3500lb pop up camper comfortably with two adults,and two kids? Is there anything I should avoid with them,and is there anything I should check if looking at one? Are these V-6's interference engines?

  Thanks,

  Chris

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  June 1, 2010 7:35 p.m. Jensenman SuperDork

  The brother in Fla. has one, it's an NA 2WD automatic. It's been rock reliable but when compared to my Trooper somewhat underpowered. 3500 pounds is about the max they will tow without you pulling your hair out. The supercharged version was offered to counteract the power deficit.

  They are definitely interference engines.

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  June 1, 2010 7:42 p.m. Datsun1500 Dork

  Some of the 2wd manuals came with a 4Cyl. so be careful. Other than that, what he said ^^

  I completely missed the fact that I am now a dork and no one told me.

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  June 1, 2010 8:31 p.m. jlm_photo New Reader

  My inlaws have one. If they haven't blew it up by the way they treat it, they must be good.

  Happiness is not around the corner. Happiness IS the corner.

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  June 1, 2010 9:12 p.m. Wonkothesane Reader

  100k is the max limit for the timing belts, as Jensenman said, they are most definitely interference. Some have been known to snap as early as 95k, so change the belt early and often. There's a bunch of places offering a complete kit for them.

  If you get the 00-01 models, expect to replace the distributor around 100k, since the bearings will go and cause all sorts of check engine lights and annoyances. Aftermarket better pieces are available for about $200.

  Overall, a very good, dependable and capable truck, but as Jensen said, it'll be a bit underpowered for pulling 3500lbs.

  1 Mazda == Good. 4 Mazdas == More Gooder.

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  June 1, 2010 10:54 p.m. Strizzo SuperDork

  underpowered, and not very fuel efficient. towing won't help that either, although it will do it just fine, as long as you can handle the mileage.
  

  the second gen started in 05, gets better mileage and makes more power. also available with a 6-speed manual. they're also getting less expensive. stay away from the automatics since they come with a weaker c200 rear instead of the m226 that the sticks got, which is a variant of the dana 44.

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  June 1, 2010 11:01 p.m. Jamesc2123 Reader

  my housemate at school has an '01 4wd he drives 80 miles (!) round trip every day to work. It should hit 200k this month or the next. He's never had a problem with the distributor, in fact never had any major repairs beyond wear items, and he beats the hell out of the thing.

  It is dog slow though, stock its listed at 9.5 seconds to 60. Again, 3500 plus people might be asking a lot.

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  June 2, 2010 1:05 a.m. Run_Away New Reader

  Don't get a supercharged version, they're not as reliable, require premium fuel and are still slow. Knock sensors fail early. On N/A versions it's no big deal, no real change in performance and the code does not set off the check engine light. As they get older most will have this code and the owners will never know. On the supercharged ones it will make a noticeable difference in power and fuel consumption, plus requires removal of the supercharger/intake manifold to change.

  Other than that, pretty solid. The autos sometimes will lose reverse (starts off as taking a long time to shift into reverse). Exhaust manifolds sometimes crack, bit of a pain to change but not terrible. Nowhere near as bad as the older WD21 bodystyle pathfinders with their broken exhaust studs on the VG30 models..

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  June 2, 2010 1:48 a.m. mistanfo Dork

  Hopefully some of the GRM staff will pop on to comment soon enough. I know that Scott and Tom towed the MINI track car to VIRginia International Raceway from GRM HQ last summer for the UTCC, on an open aluminum trailer, and the XTerra packed to the gills. They seemed happy enough with it.

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  June 2, 2010 8:58 a.m. Per Schroeder Technical Editor/Advertising Director

  That was an 05 Pathfinder. It's been great (105k so far with just a fuel pump replacement) I had an 07 Xterra that was also rock-solid, although it was tighter inside and not as practical as the Pathfinder. I'd vote for 05+ Pathfinder, if I needed an SUV.

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  June 2, 2010 9:21 a.m. ultraclyde Reader

  I have a friend pushing 250k miles on a 5 speed NA model and he is severly maintenance impared. It's rough, but the damn thing won't stop running.

  "It's hard to be a visionary in a world full of blind people." - JM

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  June 2, 2010 9:43 a.m. GameboyRMH SuperDork

  I've only heard good things about them, but I don't know about the towing.

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  June 2, 2010 10:58 a.m. spitfirebill Dork

  What engine does the Xterra have that needs a timing belt change?

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  June 2, 2010 11:24 a.m. ggarrard New Reader

  +1 to Per's suggestion of the Pathfinder... In a previous life, we tested the XTerra but ended up with a '01 Pathfinder because of the extra space and comfort, plus towing capacity was 5000lbs... we are considering SUV's again - and the '05+ Pathfinder is #1 on our list.

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  June 2, 2010 12:44 p.m. snipes Reader

  The Xterra tows race cars poorly. My buddy bought a v6, auto, 2WD to tow his race car and he started trying to sell it after the first tow.

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  June 2, 2010 7:28 p.m. Run_Away New Reader

  spitfirebill wrote: What engine does the Xterra have that needs a timing belt change?

  VG33E

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  June 2, 2010 10:36 p.m. Strizzo SuperDork

  Also keep in mind that they only have about a 110" wheelbase and the rear bumper is kinda far out the back, not a real great combination for towing.

  I love my 2010 Off Road though.

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